FSU Football: Florida State versus Georgia in the Orange Bowl

FSU football had a very successful 2023 campaign thus far where they capped it off with an ACC Championship Game victory over the Louisville Cardinals, but it has been a very disappointing day for Seminole fans as they patiently wait for the selection committee to decide their fate in the College Football Playoff.

Florida State finished the season with a perfect record and fought through so much adversity and still overcame. However, the committee felt that Texas and Alabama were more deserving of being in the playoffs and placed FSU at No. 5 in the final rankings.

The consolation prize is a meeting with the two-time defending champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. This game may actually be the best matchup of all the bowl games including the playoffs. I look for this game to have high TV ratings as most FSU games do.

Key Matchups

• Georgia QB Carson Beck vs Florida State DE Jared Verse/Patrick Payton

This matchup intrigues me because of the way Verse and Payton are playing. They will be in Beck’s face all game long and make it hard for him to have time and make his reads. He will be forced into some tough throws, which could lead to turnovers.

Advantage: FSU

• Georgia WRs vs Florida State DBs

I love FSU’s matchup here with the cornerbacks stepping up big this season. Louisville picked on veteran Renardo Green in the ACC Championship and he responded well with some key pass breakups. Also, the play of up-and-comer Azareye’h Thomas has improved vastly over the last few games and senior Jarrian Jones has become one of the best cornerbacks in the nation in man coverage.

Advantage: FSU

• Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker vs Georgia DEF

Rodemaker is a competitor who will stand in the pocket and make a tough throw. His inexperience is always going to be a factor as he only has a handful of career starts. Tate will get three weeks of practice for this game so that will be a huge plus, but there is no substitute for real game experience.

Advantage: UGA

Final Thoughts

This matchup is what I hoped would be for a national championship, but it is now more for pride between these two teams. One was left out due to a quarterback loss (Florida State), while the other one was beaten in one game at the end of the season (Georgia). Both teams will be looking to prove they should have been in the College Football Playoff. Overall, I believe that it would be a major statement for Florida State to go out and beat Georgia to show that one player does not define this team.